Just read the Sepinwall interview, and though he notes that he didn't get this from Chase, he is quite emphatic that "The actor playing Member's Only guy had never been on the show before."

If true, it doesn't necessarily disprove my theory (the Members Only guy and the couple of black guys are symbolic stand-ins for those who've come and gone in the Soprano universe, and they still function as reminders of the ever-present limbo in which he will live the remainder of his days), though if he had been played by the same actor, I think that would have clinched it. I guess the only thing I can take away from last night’s episode with any absolute certainty, is that Phil Leotardo should have taken Tony’s advice and spent his golden years in retirement, enjoying his grandchildren.

Here's the link to the full interview. Apparently it’s the only one Chase is giving, regarding the series’ controversial finale:

blog.nj.com/alltv/2007/06...peaks.html
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"After all, it is better to be frightened than to be crushed."